The new C-Class: Superlative ride comfort based on Mercedes Codes and digital prototypes

Mercedes-Benz will launch the new C-Class – a unique syn-thesis of superlative comfort and driving pleasure in this market segment – in spring 2007. This decisive edge comes courtesy of several years of expe-rience, precise Mercedes Codes for comfort and a new development process which the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has implemented for the very first time: digital prototyping. Computer simulations enabled the engineers to define, test and refine the saloon's major characteristics at a very early stage of development, meaning that even the first ready-to-drive prototypes and pre-production models displayed a high level of maturity. Digital prototyping allowed the Mercedes engineers to make tremendous progress, especially in terms of ride comfort, quiet running, effective climate control and chassis tuning. This process is largely responsible for two of the key characteristics of the new C-Class – driving enjoyment and agility – both of which are of the usual high Mercedes standard.

The new C-Class is the world's first production vehicle to be designed and developed based on a digital prototype (DPT). In this process, Mercedes-Benz bundles together all of its calculation methods, using around 2130 gigabytes of data to create a completely virtual car. Computer simulation was used to develop and test the crash-safety and occupant-protection systems for the new C-Class as well as the car's NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), durability, energy management, climate control and aerodynamics. The Sindelfingen engineers use one of the world's largest IT networks for many of these calculations.

The new DPT process helped to save time and solve trade-offs at an early stage as well as permitting computer testing of the entire saloon concept. This environ-ment created the ideal conditions for the subsequent field-development and road-testing phase, involving 280 real prototypes, which began in the summer of 2003. By the time full production gets underway, the new C-Class will have clocked up a total of over 24 million test kilometres world-wide, making this the largest test programme in the Stuttgart manufacturer's history.

Computer- and test rig-based test drives with the digital prototype

Comfort and handling were focal points of the development work. The Mercedes experts put the digital prototype through its paces on virtual urban and country roads as well as motorways in order to define the ride comfort at an early stage. This test volume is equivalent to around 2000 individual drives in reality. To tune the handling characteristics, the digital prototype completed more than 1500 computer-based obstacle-avoidance tests, slaloms and braking manoeuvres – many of them in real-time simulations.

In addition the new development process allowed the saloon's handling character-istics to be experienced subjectively. State-of-the-art test rigs such as the Ride Simulator were programmed with the C-Class data and the road surfaces of real test routes so that the engineers were able to 'drive' the new Mercedes model on the test rig very early on in the project. Although the Ride Simulator simulates the saloon's handling characteristics digitally, it does so realistically.

Over 6000 pages of Mercedes Codes for defining hallmark Mercedes features

Development of the new C-Class was based on a main specifications book containing around 360 pages, This book describes the saloon's technology right down to the last detail and specifies strict targets – called Mercedes Codes – for important characteristics. Some 150 main criteria, along with thousands of individual targets compiled in 250 component specification books with a total of over 6000 pages, relate solely to the topic of comfort – a key aspect of the C Class alongside safety, reliability, quality and agility.

The Mercedes Codes for comfort reflect the many decades of experience and the vast pool of know-how that the Stuttgart manufacturer has acquired in this area of passenger-car development. As well as defining technical requirements, the Codes take into account scientific analyses performed at DaimlerChrysler's Customer Research Centre, looking at how motorists perceive comfort subjectively. It was therefore possible to bring technical features into line with sensory perception – a key requirement for ensuring the classic Mercedes driving experience.

Comfort development requires profound and detailed knowledge of how irritating noise and vibration is caused and transferred. Mercedes-Benz analyses a total of around 60 different phenomena in these areas, including the typical lifting, pitching and rolling of the car body as well as many largely unfamiliar phenomena which can mar the comfort experience, such as quivering, micro-quivering, wobble, shimmy, grumble and whine, to name but a few technical terms.

Low-vibration body for outstanding long-distance comfort

The aim of the C-Class development engineers was to combine superlative ride comfort with sporty agility. A quick glance at the saloon's code book reveals that this goal was achieved: the C-Class easily achieves the stringent Mercedes targets and thus sets the benchmark for long-distance comfort in its market segment. In the case of micro-quivering – the term experts use to describe the comfort characteristics on slightly uneven roads – the readings for the new C-Class undercut the maximum limits specified by Mercedes by as much as 15 percent.

The saloon is equally adept at compensating for the typical body shudder caused by uneven road surfaces, which can be transferred into the interior of the car via the wheel carriers, springs, shock absorbers and mounts. At 140 km/h, the driver of the C-Class feels almost none of this shudder: the figure achieved by the C Class – less than 0.3 m/s² – is around 40 percent lower than the already strict limit imposed in the specifications book.

Key factors which contribute to this high level of ride comfort include an intelligently designed bodyshell which is 13 percent more torsionally stiff than that of the outgoing model, newly developed seats and a standard-fit damping system which adjusts the shock-absorber forces in accordance with the driving style.

Quiet engines and a pleasantly calm interior

Equally impressive progress has been made in the field of acoustic comfort, which the Mercedes engineers have improved by implementing a series of measures, including even more effective acoustic insulation of the interior, sound absorbers in the body cavities and a sophisticated door-sealing concept. The engines and exhaust systems have also been enhanced with respect to comfort. By way of example, a new injection system audibly reduces the combustion noise in the four-cylinder diesel powerplants. The difference can even be heard when the engine is idling. Here the noise level of the four-cylinder CDI engines easily beats the Mercedes target of 62 decibels.

At higher speeds, the body's excellent aeroacoustics play an important part in ensuring a high level of ride comfort. Wind noise, often perceived as annoying high-frequency hissing in the interior, is practically inaudible when travelling on board the new C-Class.

Based on meticulously calculated empirical values and with the help of the latest development processes, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class opens up a clear lead – taking the concept of superlative comfort and agility to previously unscaled heights.

by Mercedes-Benz

C-Class continues to be the bestseller of the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio

- More than two million C-Class units delivered since March 2000

- Best-selling C-Class in the history of the company

In the year prior to its model change, the C-Class remains the bestseller in the Mercedes-Benz model range. More than two million units have been delivered to customers all around the world since the launch of the current series in March 2000. That makes today's lineup of this model — consisting of Sedan, Station Wagon and Sports Coupé the best-selling C-Class in the history of the company. Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group with responsibility for sales and marketing, said: 'The C-Class has achieved excellent sales over its entire lifecycle and is our best-selling model series. It combines comfort and elegant design with the highest standards of safety and sets the benchmark for the entire mid-sized premium car segment.'

With around 1.4 million units sold since the market launch in May 2000 the C-Class Sedan has continued its predecessors' success story. Since spring 2001, some 330,000 customers have decided on the Station Wagon. The Sports Coupé, which joined the model family in spring 2001, has logged up 283,000 sales to date. Germany is the biggest market for the C-Class, accounting for more than 30 percent of global sales. In fact, the C-Class has sold more units here since its market launch in spring 2000 than any of its premium competitors. The second largest market for the C-Class is the USA, which accounts for almost 20 percent of the global sales volume.

by Mercedes-Benz

Meeting point Mercedes: 25 years of the C-Class

25 years ago, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Model 190 and laid the foundations for what has become the bestselling model series in the history of the brand: the C-Class. To date around six million C-Class Saloons, Estates and Sports Coupés have been delivered to customers. On March 31, 2007 the fourth generation of this bestselling Mercedes will appear in the showrooms of company-owned Mercedes sales outlets and dealerships throughout Europe to continue this success story. Around 60,000 orders have already been received for the Saloon.

At the beginning of the 1980s, the news that Mercedes-Benz was working on a new model series below the E-Class was a sensation, and gave rise to a great deal of speculation. Seldom before had the press reported so often and so exhaustively about a secret prototype as about the 'compact' Mercedes-Benz, which soon became world-famous as the 'Baby Benz' even before its launch.

The new car was the culmination of many years of deliberation for the Stuttgart brand. The compact Saloon met the wishes of car buyers, while offering Mercedes-Benz the opportunity to establish itself in a new market segment and gain additional customers. Moreover, there were increasing calls for more economical cars, and with the Model 190 Mercedes-Benz was able to demonstrate that its typically high standards of safety and comfort could also be realised in a more compact and economical model.

Accordingly the requirements confronting the development engineers were very stringent, as they needed to reconcile fuel consumption related criteria such as a low weight and good aerodynamics with Mercedes standards of occupant safety, handling stability, comfort and quality. The aim was to develop a true Mercedes-Benz which was 30 centimetres shorter, ten centimetres narrower and 280 kilograms lighter than the Mercedes medium range at the time (W 123), and which would consume an average of only 8.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The engineers were able to achieve their goal with the help of the latest development and calculation tools, as well as the use of newly developed lightweight materials. Accordingly the Mercedes-Benz 190 also became a technological trendsetter in automobile engineering.

Trailblazer for future-oriented technology and a new design idiom

The Saloon was well ahead of its time, with a safety concept that reflected the results of accident research and already took offset frontal collisions into account. Neither was any other car in this class able to offer an anti-lock braking system, bent tensioners and an airbag, which were available as optional equipment, in the early 1980s. The still unrivalled multi-link independent rear suspension celebrated its world debut in the Mercedes-Benz 190, as did the first high-strength steel alloys which combine minimal weight with maximum strength.

Mercedes-Benz also broke new ground with the Model 190 where design was concerned. The angular, trapezoid form of the bodyshell and unusually high rear end ensured plenty of attention. Mercedes-Benz later transferred these basic lines to other model series – making the 'Baby Benz' the pioneer of a new design idiom which characterised saloons bearing the Mercedes star until the early 1990s.

The design concept also reflected the latest technical findings, for the high, tucked-in rear end enabled the engineers to lower the air resistance of the bodyshell considerably. The resulting drag coefficient of 0.33 was 25 percent below the average for all passenger cars at the time.

In this way intelligent lightweight construction and exemplary aerodynamics provided two important prerequisites for a favourable fuel consumption. The Mercedes-Benz 190 with the 66 kW/90 hp four-cylinder carburettor engine had a Euromix petrol consumption of 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres, while the 190 E (90 kW/122 hp) with the first mechanically/electronically controlled fuel injection system was able to cover 100m kilometres on just 8.3 litres of petrol. In autumn 1983 Mercedes-Benz rounded off the engine range with a newly developed diesel unit. The 190 D (53 kW/72 hp) was happy with 6.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

More than two decades later, there are still more than 23,000 examples of the 'Baby Benz' on the roads

Many drivers still benefit from the technical perfection and high quality of this Mercedes Saloon to this day. Around 230,000 examples of the Mercedes-Benz 190 are still registered in Germany, and 23,290 that were first registered between 1983 and 1985 are still on the active list at the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). This represents no less than around eight percent of the 190s first registered in that period. According to the KBA, only between 251 and 10,383 examples of other, comparable saloons registered from 1983 to 1985 are still on the active list.

Around 60,000 advance orders for the new C-Class

Like the Mercedes-Benz 190 introduced 25 years ago, the new C-Class sets new trends in design and technology. No other car in this vehicle class is able to offer Mercedes safety innovations such as the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® and the Intelligent Light System. The new C-Class also asserts its leading position in this market segment with the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system and the situation-related shock absorber control system of the AGILITY CONTROL package. There is a choice of four and six-cylinder engines generating up to 13 percent more output than before, while consuming up to six percent less fuel. Apart from the S-Class, the new C-Class is the only car worldwide to possess an official environmental certificate which confirms the environmentally compatible development of this Mercedes model.

Two weeks before the official market launch, around 60,000 male and female drivers in western Europe alone have already decided in favour of the new C-Class Saloon and placed an order.

Ambassador for a new Mercedes design idiom

A look back at 25 years of the C-Class also reveals parallels between the two Saloons in styling terms. Both represent something new for their time, and both have set design trends. Just as the trapezoid, 'cut diamond' design of the Mercedes-Benz 190 paved the way for a future Mercedes design idiom in its time, the new C-Class is also an ambassador for a new design style. The emphasis here is on purity of form, with the designers following the rules of modern purism and reinterpreting them in a modern context. Owing to an interplay between tightly drawn lines and large, tranquil surfaces, the design expresses unruffled calm and power, and symbolises the technical superiority of cars bearing the Mercedes star.

Mercedes-Benz first realised this new design idiom in the S-Class in 2005. The C-Class is yet another representative of these design lines, and therefore follows in the footsteps of the luxury models in the S and CL-Class – not as a copy, but as an individual and autonomous interpretation.

25 years ago, the Model 190 also marked a new styling departure with a redesign of the tradition-laden Mercedes radiator grille, which was no longer mounted but rather flush-fitted into the front end. In the new C-Class the radiator grille is likewise an important design feature with a high symbolic effect. This is because for the first time in a Saloon, Mercedes-Benz has used the radiator grille to position certain attributes even more unmistakably. With their three-dimensionally contoured radiator grille, the CLASSIC and ELEGANCE lines intentionally echo certain striking features of the S-Class to symbolise attributes such as solidity, power and luxury. In the AVANTGARDE line, the designers have opted for a visually even more striking radiator grille with wide louvres and a large, centrally located Mercedes star. This typical feature of the sporty Mercedes models underlines the dynamic, agile character of this model.

Mercedes classics with a 150 percent value increase in just a few years

Long-term quality in both design and technology is the major reason for the high value retention of Mercedes passenger cars. They achieve the highest resale prices in almost all age and vehicle categories, and have therefore gained an enviable reputation as 'value retainers'.

The Model 190 shows that a 25 year-old Mercedes-Benz does not look 'old', but still cuts a good figure on the road. This timeless appeal is common to all Mercedes models, and is accompanied by a degree of technical reliability. Both attributes are essential for 'value retainers' to become automotive classics - and for the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz to be a long-term investment with high potential returns.

Accordingly Mercedes-Benz is also the leading brand in the classic car market. Many of the models bearing the star on their bonnet are highly desirable collectors' items whose value increases from year to year. The roadsters, convertibles and coupés of the 1950s and 60s are particularly sought-after, above all the legendary 300 SL 'Gullwing' and the 300 SL Roadster. Their value increased by up to 150 percent between 1998 and 2006, and a Gullwing Coupé for which collectors paid around 205,000 Euro in 1998 is now worth well over 510,000 Euro. In 1998 the 300 SL Roadster had a price tag of around 153,000 Euro – but today this dream car achieves prices of 385,000 Euro or more.

The specialists at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center consider a model from the first C-Class generation to be among the classics of the future: the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3 16 or 190 E 2.5 16. Only 25,200 examples of this sporty Saloon with a 16-valve engine were produced, and this alone makes it a rarity with a high potential return.

by Mercedes-Benz

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Superior safety, comfort and agility

Safety, comfort, agility: these are the outstanding attributes of the new C-Class. The Saloon excels with a many-faceted product concept which meets the expectations of various customer target groups. With the AVANTGARDE, ELEGANCE and CLASSIC lines, Mercedes-Benz offers three individual models whose emphasis is on either comfort or agility. All model variants share the latest, state-of-the-art technology. This includes the newly developed AGILITY CONTROL package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system. There is a choice of four and six-cylinder engines with up to 13 percent more output than the preceding model, accompanied by up an to six percent lower fuel consumption.

With a length of 4581 millimetres, the Saloon is 55 millimetres longer than its predecessor. The body width has increased by 42 mm to 1770 millimetres, and the wheelbase by 45 mm to 2760 millimetres. These dimensions create the conditions for a generously sized interior, and therefore more comfort. The front shoulder room has increased by 40 millimetres, for example.

The design of the new C-Class is based on the modern Mercedes idiom, which reflects the technical superiority of automobiles bearing the star with taut lines and large, tranquil surfaces. The pronounced wedge-shape of the front end serves to emphasise attributes such as agility and performance. For the first time in a Mercedes salon, the radiator grille is used as a distinguishing feature to position the model variants more clearly. Three extended, horizontal louvres and a big centrally positioned Mercedes star characterise the AVANTGARDE model as a traditional design feature of sporty Mercedes models. Together with the sporty, high-quality appointments, this feature emphasises the youthful, agile appearance of this C-Class. This sporty presence can be enhanced even further with the AMG sports package, which includes striking front and rear aprons plus side skirts.

In the ELEGANCE model Mercedes-Benz employs a three-dimensional, louvred radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish to accentuate other brand-typical attributes such as comfort and luxury. The CLASSIC model in the new C-Class is intentionally more restrained and traditional, but offers the same technical innovations as the other two model variants.

This 'product-in-product' concept enables Mercedes customers to accentuate individual choices, and configure the C-Class to suit their personal taste and lifestyle even more emphatically than before. All the models offer the same, extraordinary driving experience that the Saloon provides by virtue of further technical improvements. Both by its outstanding long-distance comfort and its dynamic handling, the C-Class sets new standards in this market segment.

Shock absorbers automatically adapt to the driving situation

AGILITY CONTROL – this is the term used by Mercedes-Benz for all new and further developments that improve both comfort and agility in equal measure. This standard package includes the AGILITY CONTROL suspension, which controls the shock absorber forces according to the driving situation: when driving normally with low shock absorber impulses, the damping forces are automatically reduced for a noticeable improvement in ride comfort – but without any compromise in handling safety. When driving more dynamically, the maximum damping forces are set and the car is effectively stabilised. The AGILITY CONTROL steering of the new C-Class has a ratio of 14.5, and is therefore six percent more direct than the steering of the preceding model. The likewise included AGILITY CONTROL gearshift reflects the sporty character of the C-Class with a short travel and precise shifts.

Mercedes-Benz has also developed the ADVANCED AGILITY package with a sporty driving mode, which will become optionally available from autumn 2007. This offers the driver a choice of two gearshift programmes: Sport and Comfort. Within these programmes the shock absorber for each wheel has infinitely variable electronic control. A newly developed speed-sensitive steering with a more direct ratio, variable centring and adaptation of the accelerator characteristics and automatic transmission shift points is also included in the package.

ADAPTIVE BRAKE is another new development in the area of running gear technology. This is based on the technology of the S-Class and provides additional support functions for even more safety and comfort. Examples include Start-Off Assist for uphill gradients, priming the braking system in critical situations and light contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions.

Output of the supercharged four-cylinder engines increased by up to 13 percent

With a remarkable boost in output by up to 13 percent and an increase of around 18 percent in torque, the engines also do more than their bit to create the lively nature of the new C-Class. The four and six-cylinder units not only excel with powerful responsiveness, but also contribute to the excellent ride comfort of the Saloon with their improved smoothness.

Mercedes-Benz has paid particular attention to further development of the four-cylinder engines. In the petrol range, the output of the entry-level C 180 KOMPRESSOR has increased from the previous 105 kW/143 hp to 115 kW/156 hp, with maximum torque improved by 4.5 percent from 220 to 230 newton metres, while the C 200 KOMPRESSOR develops 15 kW/20 hp more than before. It has an output of 135 kW/184 hp and generates its maximum torque of 250 newton metres from 2800 rpm. These modified engines considerably improve the performance and fuel consumption of the four-cylinder models. When accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h, the C 200 KOMPRESSOR is 0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor. Improvements in fuel consumption are equally impressive: the C 180 KOMPRESSOR consumes 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres less than before, while the combined fuel consumption of the C 200 KOMPRESSOR has been reduced by 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Fuel consumption of the four-cylinder CDI engines reduced by 0.3 litres

Further development of the four-cylinder units was also the main focus for the diesel engines. The engineers in Stuttgart have made further improvements to the engine, turbocharger and common-rail direct injection, modifying more than 90 components. As a result of these measures the new C 200 CDI has eleven percent more output than the preceding model, with 100 kW/136 hp versus the previous 90 kW/122 hp. The C 220 CDI develops a peak output of 125 kW/170 hp (previously 110 kW/150 hp), and generates a torque of 400 newton metres from 2000 rpm - around 18 percent more than before. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres: in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the C 200 CDI and C 220 CDI are able to travel 100 kilometres on just 6.1 litres of fuel.

The modern V6-engines in the C-Class range remain unchanged, with a choice of three petrol units developing 150 kW/204 hp, 170 kW/231 hp and 200 kW/272 hp. The six-cylinder of the new C 320 CDI has an output of 165 kW/224 hp. With the exception of the C 350, all models in the new C-Class are equipped with a six-speed transmission featuring AGILITY CONTROL gearshift as standard. The top-of-the-range C 350 has 7G-TRONIC, the world's only seven-speed automatic transmission, as standard equipment. This is also available for the other six-cylinder C-Class models on request.

The latest Mercedes inventions ensure maximum safety

During the course of its development, the new C-Class successfully passed more than 100 crash tests, including the particularly demanding, in-house impact tests of which some go well beyond the legal requirements. Passing these is a precondition for the highest accolade in automobile safety: the Mercedes star. Occupant protection is based on an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel. Compared to the previous series, Mercedes-Benz has enlarged the deformation zones even further and improved energy flows. The front-end structure of the new C-Class has four independently acting impact levels, which enable forces to be distributed over a wide area while bypassing the passenger cell.

The safety technology in the interior has been complemented with the very latest protection systems. Seven airbags are included as standard equipment: two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A to the C-pillar during a side impact. The driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters as standard. The standard head restraints operate on the NECK PRO principle: during a rear-end collision the padded surfaces are pushed forward within milliseconds to support the heads of the driver and front passenger at an early stage. This significantly reduces the risk of a whiplash injury.

Mercedes-Benz has developed flashing brake lights as a major help in reducing rear-end collisions, and these are also standard equipment in the new C-Class. If the driver needs to brake hard at speeds in excess of 50 km/h, the brake lights flash rapidly to warn drivers following behind.

PRE-SAFE® is another special feature of the new Mercedes Saloon. This preventive occupant protection system (optional) is linked to active safety systems such as ESP® and Brake Assist, and is able to recognise critical driving manoeuvres at a very early stage. If the C-Class is in danger of crashing as a result of heavy under or oversteering, or if the driver needs to brake very heavily in a dangerous situation, PRE-SAFE® activates certain systems as a precaution to prepare the vehicle and its occupants for an impending accident. Accordingly the passive safety phase does not begin when the impact has already occurred, but before an impending collision.

The Intelligent Light System developed by Mercedes-Benz is also available in this vehicle class for the first time. Powerful bi-xenon headlamps provide five different lighting functions suited to typical driving and weather conditions: country mode, motorway mode, enhanced foglamps, the Active Light System and cornering lights. Yet another important contribution by Mercedes-Benz to safer driving in poor visibility.

Interior design 'cast from a single mould'

When developing the cockpit, Mercedes designers took their lead from the sporty sector and included clearly laid-out dial instruments such as may be found in roadsters or coupés. Silver-coloured bezels, black dial faces, white markings and glowing orange needles perfectly combine form with function for a high value impression and easy legibility.

Equally clearly laid out and well-arranged, the two-tone dashboard and centre console of the new C-Class form a harmonious unit in line with the 'design cast from a single mould' principle. The same applies to the integration of the colour display at the upper centre of the dashboard. This is perfectly positioned within the driver's line of vision, but can also be covered or folded away as required, without switching off the radio, navigation system or other units linked to the display. If the pivoting cover of the display aperture is closed, the infotainment units continue to operate.

New control concept for clarity and comfort

The central colour display is part of the new control and display concept which the new C-Class has adopted from the luxury-class Mercedes models. Its major advantage is rapid access to frequently used functions, which means that the driver does not need to relearn, is able to maintain familiar habits and feels at home immediately. All the control and display elements necessary and important during a journey are located in the cockpit, i.e. in immediate proximity to the driver.

In the same way, linking the standard multifunction steering wheel with the instrument cluster is an important precondition for rapid access to a wide range of information and functions in the driver's direct line of vision. Other functions such as infotainment are shown by the display at the centre of the dashboard. The driver and front passenger are able to control the radio, navigation system or telephone by using a controller on the centre console, or access the main menus using direct selection keys.

COMAND provides voice operation, a music server and DVD navigation

The Audio 20, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS systems are a range of newly developed, optional infotainment units for C-Class passengers. They all feature a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects the mobile phone to the hands-free system. In the Audio 50 APS, the route guidance information – some of it as a visually attractive automatic junction zoom display - is shown by means of arrows on the fixed colour display (4.9-inch) in the dashboard. An integral 6-CD changer and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system are available on request.

The multimedia system COMAND APS offers even more functions than before in the new C-Class. One new feature is a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a hard disc (30 gigabytes). The high-resolution maps are shown on a colour display (7-inch) which pivots away and disappears beneath a cover at the touch of a button. Other functions of COMAND APS include a music server with a four-gigabyte memory, a DVD-player for video and audio, and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system, which Mercedes-Benz has likewise improved further: the driver no longer needs to spell out the names of countries, towns or roads, but is able to speak them as whole words. The voice control system is just as convenient when selecting radio stations or entries in the telephone directory.

The C-Class is the bestseller in the Mercedes lineup

The new C-Class Salon replaces a model series of which more than 1.4 million units have been sold since spring 2000. All in all, Mercedes-Benz has delivered more than two million of the Saloon, Estate and Sports Coupé models in the previous C-Class to customers all over the world. This makes the C-Class the bestseller in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. Germany is the largest market for the C-Class, accounting for around 30 percent of worldwide sales.

by DaimlerChrysler

by Mercedes-Benz